More COVID-19 test sites open to alleviate demand
The demand for COVID-19 testing remains high as case counts climb following the New Year’s holiday weekend.
According to the state Department of Health, 508 new cases were reported Thursday on Hawaii Island, the highest number in a single day.
With the rampant spread of COVID-19, more testing locations have opened to alleviate long lines and get people tested faster.
Last week, Hawaii County opened test sites across the island, with TrueCare24 contracted to conduct the testing.
“We opened these last week when we started to feel like there was going to be a huge surge in cases,” said Civil Defense staff officer Tom Olson. “We have a lot of people who want to get tested. The demand remains high, and we want to make that available to everyone.”
TrueCare24 is testing people at locations in Hilo, Kona, Pahoa, Waimea, Naalehu, Pahala, Captain Cook and North Kohala.
The full calendar of testing times and locations can be found at https://bit.ly/hicountytesting.
The county plans to keep its testing locations open through the end of the month and into February, if there is still a need.
“To alleviate the spread, get boosted, double-mask with KN95 or KN94 masks, avoid large gatherings, gather outdoors and social distance. Isolate for five days if you test positive,” Meyer said. “By doing your part, you can help stop the spread to keep our community safe.”
The following sites will offer COVID-19 testing as part of Hawaii County’s Community Testing Program:
Friday, Jan. 7
Old Kona Airport Pavilion in Kailua-Kona from noon to 5 p.m.
Pahoa District Park in Pahoa from 1 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 8
Afook-Chinen Civic Center in Hilo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Old Kona Airport Pavilion in Kailua-Kona from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Waimea District Park in Waimea from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 10
Francis Wong Baseball Stadium in Hilo from noon to 7 p.m.
Hisaoka Gym – Kamehameha Park in Kapaau from 7 to 10 a.m.
Waimea District Park in Waimea from 2 to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 11
Afook-Chinen Civic Center in Hilo from noon to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 12
Afook-Chinen Civic Center in Hilo from noon to 7 p.m.
Old Kona Airport Pavilion in Kailua-Kona from noon to 7 p.m.
Yano Hall in Captain Cook from 7 to 8 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 13
Afook-Chinen Civic Center in Hilo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Na’alehu Community Center in Ka’u from 3 to 5 p.m.
Pahala Community Center in Ka’u from noon to 2 p.m.
This list does not represent all of the testing opportunities in Hawaii County. Various independent medical centers, clinics, and pharmacies also offer testing.
